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Editor's note
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A little over 2.2 billion years ago, when single-celled organisms were the only life on Earth, a massive asteroid ploughed into the ground at Yarrabubba – in what’s now outback Western Australia.
It left behind a 70-kilometre scar on the land that geologist Aaron Cavosie and his colleagues have found is the oldest remaining impact crater anywhere in the world.
By analysing tiny grains of crystal created in the crash, Aaron writes today, they were able to precisely calculate the age of the crater. As it turns out, the asteroid landed at the same time as a major change in the planet’s climate from icy to warm.
Did the Yarrabubba impact trigger a global thaw? The evidence is intriguing, but the case is not quite closed.
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Michael Lucy
Deputy Science + Technology Editor
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Top story
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The ancient landscape at Yarrabubba preserves traces of the world’s oldest known asteroid impact.
Shutterstock
Aaron J. Cavosie, Curtin University; Chris Kirkland, Curtin University; Nick Timms, Curtin University; Thomas Davison, Imperial College London; Timmons Erickson, Curtin University
The Yarrabubba asteroid landed 2.2 billion years ago. Around the same time, the icy Earth went through a big thaw.
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Without a radical change of course on climate change, Australians will struggle to survive on this continent, let alone thrive.
AAP/Dave Hunt
Will Steffen, Australian National University
For decades Australian scientists have, clearly and respectfully, warned about the risks to Australia of a rapidly heating climate. After this season's fires, perhaps it's time to listen.
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All the research points to fortune, fame and security not necessarily leading to living happily ever after.
Nic Bothma/EPA
Jolanda Jetten, The University of Queensland
Research suggests Harry and Meghan would be well and truly in their right minds to be sick of royal fame and fortune.
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Australian trans performer Marissa Minx on set in Los Angeles, recording exclusive behind-the-scenes footage for her fans.
Sophie Pezzutto
Sophie Pezzutto, Australian National University
In today's economy, adult video stars can't rely on films alone to make their income. Here's how they earn all of the rest.
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Business + Economy
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Danielle Wood, Grattan Institute; Nathan Blane, Grattan Institute; Shelby So, Grattan Institute
Changes to the government's targets in its budget update give it room to spend more.
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Health + Medicine
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Christine Carson, University of Western Australia
Antibiotics aren't a one-size-fits-all treatment – the one you had last time might not work on the infection you have at the moment. So how do doctors determine which one is likely to work?
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Nicola Hancock, University of Sydney; Jennifer Smith-Merry, University of Sydney
Some people with mental illnesses are unable to work or look after themselves but because their conditions are episodic, it's difficult to meet the NDIS entry requirement of having a permanent disability.
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Education
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Briony Towers, RMIT University; Annette Gough, RMIT University; Blanche Verlie, University of Sydney
One problem with the Australian Curriculum bushfire content statements is that they are relatively abstract and detached from children’s lived experiences.
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Politics + Society
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Jemma Holt, University of Tasmania; Brendan Gogarty, University of Tasmania
Does a fair trial exist in the social media age? The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute has released recommendations around juries and their smart devices.
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Environment + Energy
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Cris Brack, Australian National University
The nature of our fires is changing rapidly, and the adaptation of our plants and animals won't be able to keep pace.
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